Origins and Routes is here!

Rattlesnake Tails and Tattoo Parlors

As an artisan jeweler, how do you stand out in an Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Competition amid a sea of tech companies and patent holders?

By being clear, passionate, and memorable. 

That was my theory, and I'm happy to say it worked.

Back in February, I pulled together a business plan and entered this competition on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised when I made it to the semi-final round of 11 entrepreneurs.

Last night we all pitched our ideas to a panel of judges in an elimination round modeled on the tv show Shark Tank. Each entrepreneur had three minutes to explain their concept (with no powerpoint, samples, or marketing materials allowed) and then had to answer a series of questions from the judges before receiving real-time feedback and a score of 1-5. 

The concept I presented, Origins and Routes, is based on the body of work I've made for my senior show. It is about representing people's heritage and the people and places they feel connected to through wearable identity portraits. My pitch included a lot of interesting visual imagery. I gave an example of what an identity portrait for my mom might look like and included a rattlesnake tail for New Mexico in the description. When talking about how to scale up my model, I referenced a tattoo parlor where there are multiple artists each with a unique style and specialization working under the umbrella of a shop with a common vision.

(I will share more about my concept soon!)

I was honestly not expecting to make it to the final round of three entrepreneurs. I got good feedback and scores, but I was tied with a few other people and was certain their tech-heavy ideas would win. 

When they announced my name and that the Origins and Routes concept had taken second place, I was speechless (a very rare thing for me).

I now go on to present to an audience of 300 people on May 17th. Audience vote will determine who wins first, second and third place. All of the finalists get cash prizes and business mentorship, so no matter the results I already have an exciting start to the next phase of my career post-school.

I am beyond excited and, after having been rejected from literally every single art-related thing I've applied for recently, feel very validated and like my hard work is finally being recognized. If I had to articulate my goal for the future, it would be to continue working in the style I've developed with my senior show and Origins and Routes, but in a way that is commercially viable. To stay true to my artistic voice but find a way to connect with others and get my work out there.

Judging by the response I got yesterday, I am on the right path and couldn't be happier.

Global

I am currently killing time in the print lab at school, reminded of all the times I used to blog from internet cafes in Maputo and Rio. Here at Casa Cali, I blog from home. It's a different feeling, for sure.

I am waiting for these giant hemisphere maps to print, 36 inches across. I found the originals at the Alameda Antiques Fair last month and thought they would go well with my senior show. The maps are from the late 1800's and show the world as it no longer exists. I scanned them, enlarged them, and am printing them as a test for a large wall piece I plan to make for my thesis exposition. I want to use it to show where the various materials I'm using come from, to provide a visual reference for the places that have influenced me over the years. Sort of like a giant legend for all of my pieces.

I'm not sure yet about all the details, but there is only one way to figure it out, and that's by doing it. I envision printing the maps on aluminum for the installation and riveting the materials onto the surface. I also have an idea about multiple layers, but again I'm not sure exactly how it will all come together.

If I've learned one thing over the past few years, it's that the first attempt will rarely be the final form that something takes. You have to try, try again, and often try several more times before your vision is attained. Here's to starting this process early.

Alexandra Amaro Lifestyle Photoshoot #2

Photoshoots are EXHAUSTING but so incredibly worth the effort. I am lucky to have friends who are striking beauties and willing to model my jewelry.

Here is a little (unedited) preview of the shoot I finished just hours ago with Lauren Lauren, a fellow metalsmith and jeweler-in-training at CCA.

I am very, very pleased with the results!

Jewelry: Alexandra Amaro
Photography: Alexandra Amaro
Model: Lauren Lauren
Styling: Alexandra Amaro
Hair and Makeup: Lauren Lauren
on location in Point Richmond, CA

www.alexandraamaro.com

Networking: Moving to Mozambique

Morning light at Casa Cali.

Sitting here in our living room at Casa Cali enjoying the subtle colors of the morning, I am struck by how many emails I still recieve. I am so happy that, 3.5 years after leaving Mozambique, this blog continues to be useful and relevant to those of you considering moving there. Even though my advice is increasingly outdated, I am always happy to offer an opinion or suggestion to those who write me.

I was wondering if some of you who are in Moz now might offer some more current tips to the readers of this blog in the comments here. Specifically:

- What are housing prices like these days?
- How did you find your housing? What do you recommend for others?
- How did you find work?
- How have you managed to make friends?

Any input would be greatly appreciated to keep this space and my advice as current and relevant as possible!

Happy Hour

My teachers let us out of class an hour early today. I am so appreciative of this unexpected extra time.

I am sitting on the deck with Rico, having a Smithwicks, and taking a break. Just me and him, which is great because we love our guests but it's awesome to have a moment alone.

In an hour, it's studio time! I am going to make 14k wee stud earrings. For myself. Because it's what I feel like doing, and I've discovered one of the tricks to getting hella work done (that is NorCal slang for those of you far away) is to simply make what you feel like making.

Alexandra Amaro Lifestyle Photoshoot

Jewelry: Alexandra Amaro
Styling: Alexandra Amaro
Photography: Alexandra Amaro
Models: Bárbara Albuquerque and Inês Carijó
Hair and Makeup: Bárbara Albuquerque and Inês Carijó
shot on location in Point Richmond